Duale, Tuya swapped in new Cabinet changes

Former Defence CS Aden Duale when he appeared before the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations at Parliament on October 5, 2023. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

President William Ruto has made changes to the recent Cabinet nominations.

In a twist, Aden Duale, the nominee for the Defence Ministry has been reassigned to the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Ministry.

He has been swapped with Soipan Tuya, who is now the cabinet nominee for the Defence docket, National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula said in a communique in Parliament on Tuesday, July 23.

Taking to his official X account, Duale expressed gratitude to the president saying: "I am grateful to President Ruto for reassigning me from the Defence Ministry to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry"

"I look forward to serving in my new portfolio and ensuring the focus is on sustainable environmental management, combating climate change, and promoting reforestation and conservation efforts."

The communication attracted a heated debate in the House, with MPs questioning if indeed, it was from the President as it contradicts what he [Ruto] announced last week.

"What the President announced is definitely different from what you have read to us," said Seme MP James Nyikal.

A Committee on Appointments will from here begin hearings to vet the 11 nominees, and table a report before the Hose within twenty-eight (28) days.

Interstingly, the name of the Attorney-General nominee Rebecca Miano was missing from the Ruto's communique to the House.